Killing Time: episode guide

Episode 1

NZ: Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Aus: Wed, November 02, 2011
Written by Ian David
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

In the early 1980s lawyer, Andrew Fraser is still cutting his teeth at the prestigious law firm Edwards & Baros. The only problem is; the clients he is bringing in are hardly "prestigious stock". Armed robbers, drug dealers and bikies now fill the waiting rooms. His reputation begins to spread throughout the underworld of Melbourne and it is not long before he is approached by its king: Dennis 'Mr Death' Allen and his firebrand mother Kath Pettingill . What Fraser doesn't know however, is that when the charges escalate to murder, Mr Death has a habit of taking the law into his own hands.

Episode 2

NZ: Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Aus: Wed, November 02, 2011
Written by Ian David
Directed by Peter Andrikidis

As Fraser continues the daily struggle of keeping Dennis Allen out of Jail, it becomes clear that Dennis wants Fraser exclusively. This is especially so when he discovers Fraser is representing a local biker gang who are muscling into Dennis' territory. Fraser tries to calm the feuding parties before things escalate any further, but Dennis is always one step ahead and sends a clear and bloody message to the bikers — killing and dismembering their Sergeant of Arms. Fraser begins to question just where the line lies between legal counsel and knowing accomplice.

Episode 3

While Dennis Allen's empire crumbles around him and the police close in, Fraser is called to defend his old friend Lewis Moran against a pub shooting charge. Although Fraser is fairly sure he can beat the charges with a little legal cunning, his biggest challenge is keeping the dangerous Moran away from the witnesses. When Fraser's ego gets in the way of his relationship with his girlfriend Denise, it seems he's lost her for good, but his persistence pays off. Finally Dennis Allen's ways catch up with him and he dies not from a bullet, but from heart disease.

Episode 4

Following the death of Dennis Allen, Fraser reluctantly accepts the invitation to represent his younger brother — Victor. Victor goes on an unprecedented bank robbing spree that culminates in the shooting of his friend and colleague Graeme Jensen by police. Victor plots revenge and when two young police constables are ambushed and murdered in Walsh Street, Victor is the prime suspect. Fraser finds himself destined to become a principal defense lawyer in what is still known as one of Australia's most cold blooded crimes.

Episode 5

The murder of the two young constables has turned Melbourne up-side-down. The police are desperate in their pursuit of the murderers- and the rules between cops and crims are changed forever. The ongoing raids and arrests by the newly formed police task force get them no closer to the culprits or the missing murder weapon. Amongst it all Fraser calls publically for calm but to many, including Denise, he seems to be taking the suspects' side. This grows into an open animosity between himself and the police — especially when they suspect he knows where the missing gun is. On a lonely morning, he is told by a police officer in no uncertain terms that he should provide the smoking gun or expect to feel the full weight of the Victorian Police Force.

Episode 6

After Victor Peirce and cohorts are officially charged with the Walsh Street police killings, Fraser builds a defence plan with his team of lawyers and barristers. His central strategy being, to remind the media, that in Australia one is innocent until proven guilty. There is still little evidence to connect Victor — except for the fact that his wife Wendy and nephew are now giving the police hard evidence against him. But when tensions within the police task force spill out, Wendy turns, changes her evidence and becomes a hostile witness. Victory seems close, but the pressure sees Fraser leaning heavily on cocaine.

Episode 7

Following Fraser's success at the Walsh Street trial, he has become the most publicly despised yet sought after criminal defence lawyer in Australia. This quickly brings him the biggest catch of them all — Alan Bond. Bond is facing bankruptcy and criminal charges and offers Fraser a very handsome retainer in exchange for his legal magic. Fraser relocates to Perth and begins preparing his case in the high profile and highly pressured corporate world. This, combined with his unfettered use of cocaine and alcohol, soon brings Fraser's life undone. The pressure on his marriage is also exacerbated when Denise surprises Fraser with a visit and discovers just what's been going on. Fraser's life continues to slide and he loses his case and Bond is jailed. Fraser returns to Melbourne a defeated man.

Episode 8

Fraser's cocaine usage is out of control. He continues to work, but he can no longer hide his addiction from his friends and colleagues — especially the other colleagues at work. When they air their concerns to him, he is in total denial and when they find cocaine in his desk Fraser is fired. Things are also at breaking point at home, and Denise repeatedly tries to help Fraser see what he's doing. Fraser's problems compound when Lewis Moran informs him that a drug squad cop called Strawhorn knows Fraser is using coke and where he buys it from. Fraser hears that Strawhorn is involved in some dubious practices and seeks to deal with him by informing the National Crime Authority. A foolish drug fuelled decision that will haunt Fraser forever.

Episode 9

NZ: Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Aus: Wed, December 14, 2011
Written by Ian David
Directed by Ian Watson

Fraser has set up his own legal practice but the glory days are over with only low-paying cases coming to him. His marriage is in tatters and all he seeks is the next coke high. Detective Strawhorn is intent on bringing Fraser to justice. When an illicit conversation between Fraser and a drug associate is recorded, Fraser's world comes crashing down.

Episode 10

NZ: Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Aus: Wed, December 14, 2011
Written by Ian David
Directed by Ian Watson

Fraser's been caught red handed using and giving advice on an importation of cocaine. He believes he'll get a 6 month suspended sentence but the judge hits him with 7 years in maximum security. Three years and one failed appeal later, the reality is unbearable.